Malaysia, Indonesia Establish Joint Halal Council to Boost Trade and Align Certification Standards

Malaysia, Indonesia Establish Joint Halal Council to Boost Trade and Align Certification Standards
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Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to establish a joint halal council aimed at simplifying halal certification procedures, strengthening bilateral trade, and reducing barriers caused by differences in national standards.

The Malaysia–Indonesia Halal Council is expected to hold its first meeting in October, chaired by Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH). The council will focus on improving cooperation in halal certification, reducing duplicated requirements, and expanding mutual recognition of halal certificates issued by both countries.

Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the initiative during the 2026 Global Halal Summit in Kuala Lumpur, saying differences in certification requirements remain a challenge for businesses seeking to access each other’s markets.

He noted that the two countries have already begun accepting halal marks for certain products and that the new council aims to broaden this cooperation and strengthen integration into regional supply chains.

The initiative could also pave the way for a proposed ASEAN Halal Council, planned for discussion in 2027, as part of efforts to reduce trade barriers and expand halal commerce across Southeast Asia.